When you think of images of summertime in the south you think of sipping iced tea on the porch swings, watching the lightning bugs dance in your yard. But if you sit outside long enough you’ll encounter more than just friendly lightning bugs. The warm weather brings out all sorts of nasty and ugly pests that can create real problems for you and your family. Here are a few common pests to watch out for.
Mosquitos
I’m sure everyone can agree that mosquitoes are the number one most annoying insect on the planet. These common pests are enough to ruin a well-planned outdoor gathering in a matter of minutes. They can be so bad that using your outdoor spaces can become impossible.
Effective mosquito control begins with eliminating all standing water in your yard. This will prevent females from laying eggs and drive down the population of mosquitoes in your yard. These areas include:
- Buckets
- Children’s toys
- Tires
- Wheelbarrows
- Flower pots
- Rain catchers
- Ponds
- Birdbaths
Spiders
Spiders aren’t always bad, in fact, they can be quite beneficial by catching mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying bugs that sneak into your home. However, here in Charlotte, there are two extremely dangerous spiders that call the Tar Heel State home; the black widow and the brown recluse.
Cockroaches
If mosquitoes are the most annoying outdoor pest then cockroaches are the most annoying indoor pest. These common pests can be very hard to get rid of once they are inside. That’s because they can go months without food and even weeks without their head. Roaches can be a danger to infants and children by causing asthma, allergies, and can even carry diseases. To prevent cockroaches make sure there aren’t any leaks or moisture in your basement or attic. Keep food sealed in plastic containers and don’t leave pet food out too long.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common insects on the planet and we have plenty of them right here in North Carolina including the destructive carpenter ants and dangerous fire ants.
Fire ants build their nests underground creating unsightly mounds on the surface and can kill portions of your grass as they feed on the roots.
Carpenter ants can be very destructive if they make their way into your home, causing extensive damage to wooden structures.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are six-legged, blood-sucking insects that feed on you and your family while you sleep. If that doesn’t conjure up delightful images, just one female can quickly lead to an infestation of thousands. While fleas love to feed on our pets, bed bugs prefer to feed on us.
How Do You Know If You Have Bed Bugs?
Tiny bites on your body in the morning is a good sign that you have bed bugs. Check behind your headboard, tables, between the folds in your sheets, and under the mattress. If bedbugs are present you should find discarded exoskeletons and fecal matter. Adult bed bugs are about the size and shape of a watermelon seed but with more legs.
These tiny insects are almost impossible to control once they’ve settled in and may require a professional bed bug removal expert to ensure that they are eliminated.
Get Professional Help From Cramer Pest Control
Once pests get inside your home it can be a nightmare to eliminate them. At Cramer Pest Control we are well-seasoned in battling ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, and other pests in the Charlotte, NC area. If you suspect you have an infestation we will send out one of our bug exterminators to evaluate the situation.
Check out our perimeter pest control program to insulate your home from invading insects.
Just call (803) 802-7540 or send us a message.